Northwestern University is one of the best universities in the United States and one of my favourite schools. However, like many top-tier universities, it only takes some students who apply. Northwestern has a very competitive admissions process and only admits about 25% of applicants to its undergraduate program. That said, there are multiple ways to apply to the school that will increase your chances of being admitted. Here are three different ways you can apply to Northwestern as an undergrad:
An early Decision is a binding decision you must make if you want to be admitted. You must be prepared to accept an offer of admission if it is offered to you, and there is no possibility of reconsidering your Decision later in the process.
Standardized tests are required for Early Decision applicants; however, SAT or ACT scores may be submitted instead of high school transcripts if those still need to be available due to transfer credits from other institutions or AP/IB test scores (see below).
Early Decision applicants should apply only once--you cannot apply for Early Decision at one school and Regular Decision at another college simultaneously. This practice could result in being denied admission altogether! Suppose an applicant submits more than one application during their senior year (including both regular and early). In that case, all applications will be automatically withdrawn by Northwestern University Admissions Staff members who review them individually before sending them out again with updated information such as test scores or recommendations etc.
Regular Decision is the most popular option at Northwestern University. It's also the most competitive, but it will be worth all your hard work if you can get in.
The deadline for Regular Decision applications is February 1 (not April 1, like many other schools). The application fee is $80 and can be paid online by credit card or through a check/money order mailed to Northwestern University's Office of Admissions.
In addition to submitting an online application form, you'll need to provide:
If any of these things are yet to be available, like if your grades are still being determined, you can apply early Decision! Make sure everything gets turned in as soon as possible so we know where everyone stands before making our final decisions by April 15.
The Northwestern Undergraduate Transfer Application is for students who have completed at least 12 credits at their current institution and are applying to begin their undergraduate studies in the fall term.
Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA or be on track to achieve this by the end of their first year at NU.
Transfer applicants must also have completed or completed English composition, mathematics and college-level laboratory science courses before applying for admission (see Requirements).
The deadline for submitting applications is March 1st each year; however, we strongly recommend that you submit your application as early as possible so that our office can best assist you with any questions about our programs or requirements before submitting your application materials.
The deadlines for the various application options are in November.
The deadlines for the various application options are in November.
Early Decision: November 1
Regular Decision: January 1
QuestBridge Application: October 1 (for spring admission) and February 15 (for fall admission)
Transfer Applications: March 1